Becoming Myself

For any of you who read my blog, you know that I've been having a crazy spiritual awakening since moving to Washington. From that, and conversations with my other half, I have decided that I want to truly become myself on the outside, as well as the inside.

 

For any of you who know me personally, or have known me for a long time, you'll know that I have worn makeup since the seventh grade (that's NINE years) because I have always been very self-conscious. At some points in my life, I wouldn't even leave the house if my face wasn't caked with makeup and my hair wasn't done. I hated looking at my reflection when I didn't have makeup on.

I finally decided to end that, and to become truly comfortable in my own skin. As of two weeks ago, I stopped wearing all my makeup...foundation, powder, eyeliner, etc., and I love how I feel. I thought I would hate it, because I've always been self-conscious, but I just needed to get used to seeing how I really look, how I was made to look.

 

Instead of wasting time and money covering up what I have always thought were flaws and blemishes, I've decided to start taking better care of my skin, and I can already see results! My pores are much cleaner (and happier!), my skin can breathe, my acne is clearing up quickly, and I can look at my true self in the mirror and be totally okay with how I look.

Makeup, at least to me, was just one more thing I've been holding onto that kept me from some happiness, and I'm sure it is for so many women. Makeup can be beautiful, and an art to people - a different way to express oneself. However, for many of us, it is to seek approval, and to meet such high standards that society has put out there. No woman needs makeup to feel beautiful, and I'm sad it took me so long to realize.

 

I'm lucky to have such an amazing boyfriend, who really loves me for me. He likes me better without any makeup, because it shows the real me. He helped me realize that this makeupless face is how I was born to look, and that it is still beautiful, despite what our society tells us.

 

I can feel I'm slowly unbecoming everything I shouldn't be, and I'm starting to be able to let go of issues and problems that have haunted me my whole life. I hope all of you can too, and be happy with yourself exactly how you are, because everyone is perfect just the way they are. I'm not quite there yet, but I'm working towards it every day.